Southwest Airlines: the complete traveler's guide

Everything you need for a Southwest trip in one place — its point-to-point network, the 2026 Basic to Choice Extra fares, assigned seating, baggage and Rapid Rewards — plus how to reach Southwest directly or get help from a live BargainAirTicket agent, 24/7 in English and Spanish.

BargainAirTicket is an independent travel agency. We are not Southwest Airlines and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Southwest Airlines. This guide is for information only. You can manage your booking yourself at southwest.com at no cost. If you'd rather we handle it, our agents assist for a service fee, quoted before you're charged.

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About Southwest Airlines

A quick profile of the carrier.

Founded in 1967 and flying since 1971, Southwest Airlines grew into the largest domestic carrier in the United States, headquartered in Dallas. Rather than funneling everyone through one giant hub, Southwest runs a point-to-point network built around busy focus cities. Its Rapid Rewards program lets members earn and redeem points that don't expire. In a major shift, Southwest moved to assigned seating on January 27, 2026, retiring its long-running open-seating model.

Founded

1967

Loyalty

Rapid Rewards

Network

Point-to-point

Largest base

Chicago-Midway (MDW)

Hubs & route network

Where the airline is based and where it flies.

Southwest doesn't rely on a single hub — it flies point-to-point through a set of high-traffic focus cities. Your Southwest trip most likely touches one of these:

MDW

Chicago-Midway

Largest base

DAL

Dallas Love Field

Home city — headquarters

DEN

Denver

Major focus city

BWI

Baltimore/Washington

Eastern focus city

HOU

Houston Hobby

Texas focus city

LAS

Las Vegas

Western focus city

Because Southwest is point-to-point, many trips are nonstop rather than routed through one connecting hub. When a connection is needed, it usually runs through a busy focus city such as Chicago-Midway (MDW), Dallas Love (DAL) or Denver (DEN).

Southwest Airlines route network

Schematic of the airline's main hubs and popular routes we book — not to scale. For the full current network, see southwest.com.

Popular routes we book

Call for phone-only fares.

Chicago-Midway → Denver MDW–DENCall for fare Dallas → Houston DAL–HOUCall for fare Las Vegas → Phoenix LAS–PHXCall for fare Baltimore → Orlando BWI–MCOCall for fare

Fares & cabins — what's included

Southwest's 2026 fare tiers, from the lowest up. Exact inclusions vary by route and how far ahead you buy.

Basic

The lowest, most restricted 2026 fare. Your seat is assigned at check-in, checked-bag fees apply, and changes are limited. Best only when price is all that matters — but the 24-hour rule and flight credit still protect you.

Choice

The standard fare — advance seat selection, no change fee on most itineraries, and full Rapid Rewards earning. Checked-bag fees generally still apply unless you have qualifying status or a card benefit.

Choice Preferred

Steps up with better seat access, more points earning and priority perks over Choice, while checked-bag fees can still apply unless a benefit covers them.

Choice Extra

The top fare — includes free checked bags, extra-legroom seat eligibility, the most points and priority boarding. The most flexible way to fly Southwest.

Not sure which fare fits your trip and budget? An agent can compare them for you on the call.

Not sure which fare or route is best?

Tell an agent your dates and we'll find the right option — plus phone-only fares across 500+ airlines.

Call +1 (833) 667-2918

Baggage — the essentials

General guidance. Your exact allowance depends on your fare, your Rapid Rewards status and any eligible card.

Carry-on:

Every Southwest fare, including Basic, generally includes a carry-on bag plus a personal item. Always confirm the size limits for your trip.

Checked bags:

As of 2026, checked-bag fees apply on Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra fares and A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags; A-List members and Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers get their first checked bag free.

Overweight / oversize / special items:

Extra, heavy and oversize bags follow specific rules and cost more — cheaper arranged in advance than at the airport. Sports gear and special items usually need advance planning.

We can confirm your exact allowance and pre-pay bags for you — just call.

Check-in & boarding

How to be ready on the day.

Southwest online check-in on southwest.com and the Southwest app generally opens 24 hours before departure and closes shortly before the flight. With assigned seating now in place, checking in confirms your itinerary rather than racing for a boarding position.

Boarding is done by group. Choice Extra, A-List Preferred and A-List travelers, along with Business Select-style priority fares, board earlier; Basic generally boards later. Arrive with time to spare, especially for near-international departures.

Rapid Rewards loyalty program

The airline's frequent-flyer program.

Rapid Rewards lets you earn and redeem points on Southwest for flights and more — and Rapid Rewards points don't expire as long as the account stays open. Higher tiers, A-List and A-List Preferred, add priority check-in and boarding and free checked bags, and eligible Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers get their first checked bag free. If you have a Rapid Rewards number, give it to us when booking and we'll add it to your reservation.

Southwest Airlines: frequently asked

Quick answers — call us for anything specific to your booking.

How do I change or cancel my Southwest flight?+

Southwest generally doesn't charge a change fee on most fares, though you'd pay any difference if the new flight costs more. Basic is the most restricted fare. Cancelled nonrefundable fares typically become flight credit, and the US 24-hour rule allows a full refund within a day of booking. Have your confirmation number ready and call us, or manage it at southwest.com.

Does Southwest still have open seating and free bags for everyone?+

No — that changed. Southwest moved to assigned seating on January 27, 2026, and now sells seat assignments. Checked-bag fees also apply on Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares, with free bags only for Choice Extra, A-List Preferred (two bags), and A-List members and Rapid Rewards cardmembers (first bag). We'll confirm what your fare includes.

What is Rapid Rewards and do the points expire?+

Rapid Rewards is Southwest's loyalty program, and its points do not expire while your account stays open. You earn and redeem on Southwest flights, and A-List tiers add priority and free checked bags. Give us your Rapid Rewards number when booking and we'll add it to your reservation.

How do I travel with a pet or as an unaccompanied minor on Southwest?+

These need advance arrangement and follow specific rules. Call us and we'll set them up correctly on your reservation, or arrange them yourself at southwest.com.